High power laser system

ABSTRACT

A modulation device for directing a mobile tracking device away from an asset is provided. The modulation device includes a continuous wave laser source whose output is directed at a seeker head of the mobile tracking device. The modulation device causes the generation of localized sources within the mobile tracking device and confuses the mobile tracking device as to the true location of the asset. A portable cutting device is disclosed. The portable cutting device may include a portable power supply and a laser source. The portable power supply and laser source of the portable cutting device may be positioned within a backpack and carried by a user. A handheld unit which is coupled to the laser source may be supported by the hands of the operator. The handheld unit provides power generated by the laser source to a barrier to be cut.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/541,772, filed Aug. 14, 2009 and is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/511,056, filed Jul. 28, 2009 nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,305,252, the disclosures of which are expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12,778,870, filed May 12, 2010, titledMODULATION DEVICE FOR A MOBILE TRACKING DEVICE and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/778,892, filed May 12, 2010, titled SCENEILLUMINATOR are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

The invention described herein was made in the performance of officialduties by employees of the Department of the Navy and may bemanufactured, used and licensed by or for the United States Governmentfor any governmental purpose without payment of any royalties thereon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a modulation device whichcauses a mobile tracking device to not approach closer to an asset andto devices for cutting an object, and more particularly, to a modulationdevice which directs the mobile tracking device away from the asset ordisables the tracking device and to portable devices which are capableof breaching a barrier.

Presently, a multitude of mobile tracking devices are known whichidentify an asset and attempt to move closer to the asset andpotentially contact the asset. Examples of mobile tracking devicesinclude infrared based mobile tracking devices which examine theinfrared energy which is emitted by the asset and detected by the mobiletracking device. These infrared mobile tracking devices alter theirdirection of travel to track the highest infrared energy being detectedwithin their field of view. Such mobile tracking devices may rely on anon-imaging detection system or an imaging detection system.

There are several devices available to misdirect a mobile infraredtracking device away from an asset. One exemplary device is infrared hotbodies which appear brighter to the mobile infrared tracking device thanthe asset. These infrared hot bodies may be expelled by the asset. Themobile tracking device detects the brighter infrared hot bodies andfollows the hot bodies as they become further spaced apart from theasset; thereby directing the mobile infrared tracking device away fromthe asset. Exemplary infrared hot bodies include flares.

Another type of device is a laser device which directs a pulsed ormodulated laser signal at a detection system of the mobile trackingdevice. The pulsed or modulated laser signal is tailored to the specificcharacteristics of the mobile tracking device. An example of one devicewhich is tailored to Multiple types of tracking devices is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,359,710.

Often times law enforcement, military personnel, fire personnel, andother types of rescue personnel need to open or otherwise cross abarrier. Exemplary barriers include doors, walls, and other impedimentsto advancement. Often times this requires the barrier to be altered topermit passage.

Often these personnel are working in confined areas and do not haveaccess to large units which can assist in the breaching of a barrier. Aneed exists for a portable unit which can be carried by a person andwhich is capable providing enough power to effectively breach a barrier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a modulationdevice is disclosed. In another exemplary embodiment, a method ofinteracting with a mobile tracking device is disclosed. In yet anotherexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a portable cuttingdevice is disclosed. In still another exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure, a method of using a portable cutting device isdisclosed.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatusfor interacting with a mobile tracking device is provided. The apparatuscomprising a body; at least one propulsion device supported by the body;a plurality of sensor modules supported by the body which monitor theenvironment surrounding the body; a controller operatively connected tothe plurality of sensor modules, the controller determining a presenceof the mobile tracking device in the environment surrounding the bodybased on information collected by the plurality of sensor modules and acurrent location of the mobile tracking device; and a modulation systemwhich receives the current location of the mobile tracking device fromthe controller, orients a tracking system of the modulation system basedon the current location of the mobile tracking device, detects themobile tracking device, updates the location of the mobile trackingdevice, and directs a continuous beam of optical energy at the mobiletracking device. The continuous beam of optical energy being produced bya plurality of semiconductor lasers whose output are combined.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, aportable cutting device for transport by a human operator is provided.The portable cutting device comprising a laser source which providesoptical energy, the laser source being a plurality of continuous wavesemiconductor lasers whose output is combined to provide the opticalenergy; a battery power source; a laser directing device supportingfocusing optics in a collimating chamber, the focusing optics focus theoptical energy provided by the laser source; at least one storagecontainer, the at least one storage container housing the laser sourceand the battery power source; and at least one flexible optical conduitextending from an interior of the at least one storage container to thelaser directing device, the at least one flexible optical conduitcommunicating the optical energy produced by the laser source to thelaser directing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same become betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description when takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a representative view of a modulation device andassociated asset;

FIG. 2 is a view of a representative asset;

FIG. 2A illustrates the representative asset of FIG. 2 with a mobiletracking device approaching the representative asset along a firstdirection and optical energy from the modulation device being directedat the mobile tracking device;

FIG. 2B illustrates the mobile tracking device changing its direction oftravel to a second direction due to the optical energy directed from themodulation device at the mobile tracking device;

FIG. 2C illustrates the mobile tracking device changing its direction oftravel to a third direction due to the optical energy directed from themodulation device at the mobile tracking device;

FIG. 2D illustrates the mobile tracking device changing its direction oftravel to a fourth direction due to the optical energy directed from themodulation device at the mobile tracking device;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary mobile tracking device;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary laser source;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a modulation on device whereinportions of the housing are shown in phantom;

FIG. 6 illustrates a first arrangement of components of a power supplyof the modulation device;

FIG. 7 illustrates a second arrangement of components of a power supplyof the modulation device;

FIG. 8 illustrates a processing sequence for charging the battery sourceof the modulation device;

FIG. 9 illustrates a representative view of a modulation device andassociated asset;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a processing sequence for engaging a mobiletracking device;

FIG. 11 illustrates a representative asset being tracked by arepresentative mobile tracking device;

FIGS. 12 and 13 represent the response characteristics of a mobiletracking device following an asset; and

FIGS. 14 and 15 represent the response characteristics of a mobiletracking device following an asset and being subsequently illuminated bya modulation device;

FIG. 16 illustrates a method of countering a mobile tracking device witha modulation device;

FIG. 17 is a representative view of a portable cutting device;

FIG. 18 shows the portable cutting device of FIG. 17 being used tobreach a barrier;

FIG. 18A is a representative view of the cargo carrying portion of thebackpack shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 19 is a representative view of an exemplary portable battery powersupply;

FIG. 20 is a representative view of an exemplary second portable batterypower supply;

FIG. 21 is a representative view of a laser directing device of theportable cutting device of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22A illustrates a first positioning of the laser directing devicerelative to the barrier;

FIG. 22B illustrates a second positioning of the laser directing devicerelative to the barrier;

FIG. 23 illustrates a processing sequence of a controller of theportable cutting device;

FIG. 24 illustrates another processing sequence of the controller of theportable cutting device;

FIG. 25 illustrates a first arrangement of components of the portablecutting device;

FIG. 26 illustrates a second arrangement of components of the portablecutting device;

FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary laser source;

FIG. 28 illustrates a representative view of a modulation device andassociated asset; and

FIG. 29 a representative view of a portion of a portable cutting device.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Although the drawings representembodiments of various features and components according to the presentdisclosure, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certainfeatures may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explainthe present disclosure. The exemplification set out herein illustratesembodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to beconstrued as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosed beloware not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the preciseform disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, theembodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the artmay utilize their teachings. It will be understood that no limitation ofthe scope of the invention is thereby intended. The invention includesany alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices anddescribed methods and further applications of the principles of theinvention which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

The present disclosure is directed to modulation devices which areimplemented to protect aircraft, such as commercial airlines andmilitary aircraft. However, the principles discussed herein areapplicable to other types of assets. Exemplary assets include moveableassets, such as aircraft, ships, buses, or trucks, or land based assets,such as an airport, factory, budding, or facility. Exemplary modulationdevices include countermeasure devices.

Referring to FIG. 1, a modulation device 100 is shown. Modulation device100 is coupled to an asset 102. For purposes of discussion, asset 102 isconsidered to be an airplane, such as the airplane designated 102 inFIG. 2. However, the present disclosure is contemplated for use with amultitude of different assets. Airplane 102 includes a body or fuselage104, a pair of main wings 105, tail wings 106, and a plurality ofpropulsion devices 108. Exemplary propulsion devices include jetengines, internal combustion engines with associated propellers, and anyother suitable engine arrangement.

Referring to FIG. 3, components of a mobile tracking device 110 areshown. Mobile tracking device 110 includes a propulsion system 112 whichprovides power to propel mobile tracking device 110. Exemplarypropulsion systems include solid fuel rockets, engines, and any othersuitable devices for providing power to mobile tracking device 110.Mobile tracking device 110 also includes a guidance system 114 whichcontrols the direction of travel of mobile tracking device 110.Exemplary guidance system components include wings for an airbornemobile tracking device 110, a rudder for a marine mobile tracking device110, and ground engaging members for a land based mobile tracking device110. The guidance system 114 steers mobile tracking device 110 to changea direction of travel of mobile tracking device 110. Exemplary airbornetracking devices include rockets, airplanes, and other flying devices.Exemplary marine tracking devices include boats (see FIG. 11),submersible devices, and other marine devices. Exemplary land basedtracking devices include wheeled devices, tracked devices, and othersuitable land based devices.

Mobile tracking device 110 includes a controller 116 which controls theoperation of propulsion system 12 and guidance system 114. Mobiletracking device 110 also includes a gimbaled seeker head 115 which isable to move independent of the remainder of mobile tracking device 110.Seeker head 115 supports controller 116, a detector 118, telescope 120,a reticule 122, and optics 124.

In operation, electromagnetic radiation 126 from the environment entersan optical window 128 of mobile tracking device 110. Optical window 128may be a dome. Optical window 128 may be selected to only passelectromagnetic radiation 126 within a certain wavelength band. Forinstance, in the case of an infrared mobile tracking device 110, opticalwindow 128 may only pass electromagnetic radiation 126 within theinfrared spectrum or a portion of the infrared spectrum. In otherembodiments, a separate filter 125 is included somewhere within theoptical setup of mobile tracking device 110 to limit the range ofwavelengths of electromagnetic radiation 126 passed on to detector 118.Filter 125 is shown between optical window 128 and telescope 120.However, filter 125 may be positioned anywhere between optical window128 and detector 118.

The electromagnetic radiation 126 is received by telescope 120.Telescope 120 includes a primary mirror 121 which focuses theelectromagnetic radiation 126 towards a secondary mirror 123. Secondarymirror 123 in turn focuses the electromagnetic radiation 126 towardsreticule 122. Reticule 122 spins to provide a modulated signal of theelectromagnetic radiation. Optics 124 receives and focus the modulatedsignal of the electromagnetic radiation 126 passing through reticule 122onto detector 118 which is a non-imaging detector.

Controller 116 receives input from detector 118 which is used bycontroller 116 to determine the location the brightest object in theenvironment, typically asset 102. The modulated signal allows controller116 to discriminate between background electromagnetic radiation and theradiation of asset 102, as well as, determine the location of asset 102relative to a direction of travel of mobile tracking device 110. Basedon this input from detector 118, controller 116 determines a desireddirection of travel for mobile tracking device 110 which corresponds totracking device 110 heading towards asset 102. Seeker head 115 isadjusted to center the brightest object in the environment so thatseeker head 115 is pointed directly at the brightest object. Controller116 provides this adjustment of seeker head 115 (from its intendedorientation in line with the direction of travel of mobile trackingdevice 110) to guidance system 114 as error signal 129. Guidance system114 uses this error signal 129 to alter the direction of travel ofmobile tracking device 110. Over time, if mobile tracking device 110 istracking asset 102 mobile tracking device 110 will be pointed at asset102 and seeker head 115 generally produces a small error signal which isindicative of mobile tracking device 110 being aligned to interceptasset 102.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, mobile tracking device 110includes a spinning reticule 122. In another embodiment, mobile trackingdevice 110 does not include reticule 122 but rather secondary mirror 123is tilted and telescope 120 is spun to produce a signal for controller116. In one embodiment, detector 118 is an imaging detector andcontroller 116 processes the images from detector 118 to determine thelocation of asset 102.

Returning to FIG. 2, airplane 102 includes warning/cuing system 130which detects when a mobile tracking device 110 has been launched and/oris tracking airplane 102. Warning/cuing system 130 includes sensormodules 131 which monitor the environment around airplane 102.Illustratively, four sensor modules 131A-D are shown. Depending on theasset 102 being protected, fewer or additional sensor modules 131 may beused. In one embodiment, sensor modules 131 include focal plane arraysensors with wide d of views that continuously survey the environmentfor mobile tracking devices 110. In one embodiment, warning/cuing system130 looks for a characteristic signal that indicates the launch of anairborne mobile tracking device 110. In the case of airborne mobiletracking device 110, the mobile tracking device 110 has a characteristicinfrared and ultraviolet signature which warning/cuing system 130recognizes as an airborne mobile tracking device 110.

Exemplary warning/cuing systems are disclosed in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/541,772, filed Aug. 14, 2009, the disclosure of which isexpressly incorporated by reference herein. As explained herein,warning/cuing system 130 communicates with modulation device 100.Modulation device 100, in turn, provides optical energy from acontinuous wave laser to redirect mobile tracking device 110 fromtracking the path of asset 102 or to disable mobile tracking device 110.In one embodiment, warning/cuing system 130 is provided as part ofmodulation device 100 instead of as a separate component of airplane102.

Airplane 102 further includes a fire control system 140. Fire controlsystem 140 interprets information provided by warning/cuing system 130and provides a user interface 142 through which the operator of asset102 activates modulation device 100. In one embodiment, user interface142 includes a user input 143 to enable modulation device 100 and a userinput 145 to permit modulation device 100 to fire. In one embodiment,modulation device 100 is automatically activated when asset 102 ismoving. Exemplary inputs include switches, buttons, and other suitabletypes of user inputs.

Returning to FIG. 1, modulation device 100 is represented. Modulationdevice 100 includes an optical transmitter system 150, a power system152, a system controller 154, and a cooling system 156. Each of opticaltransmitter system 150, power system 152, and cooling system 156 arecoupled to system controller 154. System controller 154 receives inputfrom and provides instructions to each of optical transmitter system150, power system 152, and cooling system 156 to control the operationof modulation device 100. As explained herein, in one embodiment,modulation device 100 is housed in a self-contained pod which may becoupled to asset 102.

Optical transmitter system 150 includes a laser source module 160 and abeam control module 162. Laser source module 160 includes a high voltagepower supply 164 which receives power from power system 152. Highvoltage power supply 164 drives a continuous wave laser 166. In oneembodiment, continuous wave laser 166 is a continuous wave fiber laser.In one embodiment, continuous wave laser 166 is a continuous waveYtterbium single mode fiber laser. Details regarding an exemplarycontinuous wave laser 166 are provided in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/973,437, titled POWERFUL FIBER LASER SYSTEM, assigned to IPGPhotonics Corporation, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporatedby reference herein. Details regarding an exemplary continuous wavelaser 166 are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/611,247,titled FIBER LASER WITH LARGE MODE AREA FIBER, assigned to IPG PhotonicsCorporation, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated byreference herein. In one embodiment, continuous wave laser 166 is asolid state laser. Other exemplary continuous wave lasers include a 2.0micrometer (μm) Thulium Fiber Laser (1.96-2.2 (μm) Thulium laser) havingan output power of about at least 1 kW and a 1.0 μm, 800 Watt DirectDiode. An exemplary Thulium fiber laser is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,801,550, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated byreference herein.

Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary configuration of continuous wave laser166 is shown. Continuous wave laser 166 includes a plurality ofindividual modules 300 each of which provide a single mode 1.07 μmoutput beam. The output of each of modules 300 is combined togetherthrough a module combiner 302 which brings the energy together in asingle beam. This combined beam is coupled to an optical conduit 170through a quartz coupler 304. Although three laser modules 300 areillustrated, any number of laser modules 300 may be included.

The components of a given laser module 300 are also shown in FIG. 4. Thelaser module 300 includes a plurality of diode lasers 310 each of whichare coupled into a respective Ytterbium fiber 312. The output of theYtterbium fibers 312 are combined through a fiber combiner 314 whichbrings the energy together. This energy is fed through a coupler 315into an Ytterbium fiber optic gain medium 316 which produces therefrom asingle mode 1.07 μm output beam. Although three diode laser sets 310 areillustrated any number of diode laser sets 310 may be included.

In one embodiment, the power of continuous wave laser 166 is about 3kilowatts (kW). In one embodiment, the power level of continuous wavelaser 166 is about 5 kW. In one embodiment, the power level ofcontinuous wave laser 166 is about 10 kW. In one embodiment, the powerlevel of continuous wave laser 166 is about 20 kW. In one embodiment,the power level of continuous wave laser 166 is about 50 kW. In oneembodiment, the power level of continuous wave laser 166 is betweenabout 3 kW and 20 kW. In one embodiment, the power level of continuouswave laser 166 is at least 3 kW. In one embodiment, the power level ofthe continuous wave laser 166 is at least 3 kW for a duration of atleast about 1 minutes.

Returning to FIG. 1, the optical energy produced by continuous wavelaser 166 is communicated to beam control module 162 through opticalconduit 170. An exemplary optical conduit 170 is a fiber optic cable.

Beam control module 162 includes a beam expander 172 and a positioningsystem 174. Beam expander 172 receives the optical energy from opticalconduit 170 and provides a generally collimated beam 176 of opticalenergy which exits modulation device 100. An exemplary beam expander isa Cassegrain telescope. Optical energy from optical conduit 170 isprovided at a focus of the Cassegrain telescope which then generallycollimates this optical energy to produce the expanded beam of opticalenergy 176. In one embodiment, a path length of beam expander 172 may beautomatically adjusted by system controller 154 to change output beam176 from a generally collimated beam of optical energy to a focused beamof optical energy. In this case, beam expander 172 may serve both as abeam expander (collimator) and focusing optics. In one embodiment, beamcontrol module 162 also includes separate focusing optics 177 whichfocus the output beam 176 at a given distance from modulation device100.

Positioning system 174 alters the direction in which collimated beam 176is directed. Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary configuration ofmodulation device 100 is shown. Modulation device 100 includes a housing180 which houses system controller 154, power system 152, cooling system156 and laser source module 160 of optical transmitter system 150.Provided on a lower side of housing 180 is positioning system 174.Positioning systems 174 includes a housing 182 coupled to housing 180and a rotatable head 184 which is rotatable in directions 186 and 188.In one embodiment, the rotatable head 184 has a pointing accuracy of upto 25 micro-radians. Rotatable head 184 includes an optical window 190through which output beam 176 is directed. Output beam 176 is generallya directed beam and is not radiated in all directions. In oneembodiment, positioning system 174 also includes at least one reflector179 which may be controlled to alter the direction output beam 176 indirections 187 and 189. The reflector 179 may be tilted to alter theelevation of collimated beam 176 by positioning system 174.

Housing 180, in the illustrated embodiment, is a pod which is detectablycoupled to airplane 102 (see FIG. 2). Referring to FIG. 5, housing 180includes a set of couplers 181 which cooperate with couplers 183 onasset to couple housing 180 to airplane 102. In one embodiment, housing180 is coupled to airplane 102 by any suitable conventional mechanismwhich permits housing 180 to be later detached from airplane 102.Exemplary coupling systems are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/541,772, filed Aug. 14, 2009, the disclosure of which isexpressly incorporated by reference herein.

Returning to FIG. 1, power system 152 includes a power source 200. Inone embodiment, power source 200 is a plurality of batteries. Thebatteries may be rechargable batteries. Exemplary rechargeable batteriesinclude lithium-ion batteries and lithium polymer batteries. Exemplarylithium-ion batteries include commercially available cells, such asthose available from A123 Systems located in Watertown, Mass. In oneembodiment, a plurality of lithium-ion cells are assembled into abattery pack 202 (see FIG. 5). In one embodiment, these cells have anominal amp-hour rating of 2.3 Ah and a nominal load voltage of 3.3DCV/cell. Based thereon, battery pack 202 should be able to deliver 52.8V at 2.3 amps for 1 hour. Under high load (10 C (10×5×2.3 or 115 Amps))the voltage will “squat” to approximately 2.8 volts/cell. At this levelthe battery pack 202 could deliver 45 V at 115 amps (or 5 kW) for 6 min.Under severe load (20C (20×5*2.3) or 230 amps)) the voltage would squatto approximately 2.5 volts. At this level the battery pack 202 coulddeliver 40 V at 230 amps (or 9 kW) for about a half minute. In oneembodiment, battery pack 202 provides 28 VDC power for modulation device100.

The use of battery pack 202 allows high power to be provided to lasersource module 160 without causing a large power spike requirement in thepower system of asset 102. In essence, battery pack 202 acts as acapacitor for laser source module 160.

In one embodiment, continuous wave laser 166 is a three kilowattYterrbium single mode fiber laser such as ones commercially availablefrom IPG Photonics located at IPG Photonics Corporation, 50 Old WebsterRoad Oxford, Mass. 01540 USA and power supply 152 provides about 28 VDC.In general, commercial laser sources from IPG Photonics include anAC-to-DC converter to convert power from an AC source to DC power forcontinuous wave laser 166. Since power supply 152 already provides DCpower, when a commercial laser source is being used for continuous wavelaser 166 the AC-to-DC converter is removed and replaced with a DCdriving circuit 320 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) which corresponds high voltagepower supply 164, DC driving circuit 320 provides power from powersupply 152 to continuous agave laser 166 and regulates the power levelprovided.

Referring to either FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, continuous wave laser 166 isrepresented. Continuous wave laser 166, as explained in connection withFIG. 4, includes a laser pump system 322 which includes a plurality oflaser diodes 310. Laser diodes 310 provide the pump energy for thelasing medium 316 of continuous wave laser 166. The lasing medium 316 isprovided as part of a fiber optical cable. The output of the lasingmedium 316 is provided to optical conduit 170.

In FIG. 6, power supply 152 is coupled to laser diodes 183 through DCdriving circuit 320 which includes a single voltage regulator 326 thatpowers laser diodes 310. In FIG. 7, power supply 152 is coupled to laserdiodes 310 through DC driving circuit 320 which includes a plurality ofcurrent regulators 328, Each current regulator 328 provides the power toone of the modules 300 (see FIG. 4) to provide power to the diodes ofthat module 300.

Referring to either FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, power supply 152 may be chargedwith a battery charger 330 coupled to a prime power source 332. Batterycharger 330 is contained housing 180. Exemplary prime power sourcesinclude a standard AC wall outlet. Power supply 152 includes a batterymanagement interface 334 which controls the recharging of the batterieswith battery charger 330.

In one embodiment, power system 152 is recharged by a power source 338of the asset 102. An exemplary power source 338 is a DC generator ofasset 102. Referring to FIG. 8, a controller of asset 102 determines ifasset 102 is operating and stationary (or otherwise operating at a lowpower level), as represented by block 350. The controller checks anoperational sensor 352 to determine if asset 102 is operational.Exemplary operational sensors include engine sensors which indicate theoperation of propulsion devices 108. The controller also checks in thecase of an airplane 102, a wheel down sensor 354, which indicates whenthe landing gear of airplane 102 is lowered. If the controllerdetermines that airplane 102 is stationary (wheels down) andoperational, then the controller provides charging energy to batterycharger 330, as represented by block 356. In one embodiment, airplane102 does not need to be stationary, but rather only be operating at alow power level, such as flying at a moderate speed. In this case, thecontroller monitors a power load of airplane 102 and provides chargingenergy to battery charger 330 when the power load is below a thresholdamount.

Cooling system 156 provides cooling to the other components ofmodulation device 100. In one embodiment, cooling system 156 providescooling to laser source module 160. In one embodiment, cooling system156 provides cooling to laser source module 160 and the opticalcomponents of beam control module 162. In one embodiment, cooling system156 provides cooling fluid to power system 152, laser source module 160,and the optical components of beam control module 162. Cooling system156 may be either air-cooled or liquid cooled. Exemplary cooling systemsare provided from Thermo Tek, Inc. located at 1200 Lakeside Parkway,Suite 200 in Flower Mound, Tex.

As indicated in FIG. 1, the components of modulation device 100 arecoupled to each other and to asset 102 through a digital communicationsystem. In one embodiment, the digital communication system includes acommon bus for the components within modulation device 100. Although adigital communication system is illustrated, any suitable connection isacceptable between the components, such as analog connections. In oneembodiment, laser source module 160 is coupled to enable input 143 andfire input 145 through discrete connections outside of the digitalcommunication system. Further, warning/cuing system 130 is coupled tosystem controller 154 through a separate communication connection. Anexemplary communication connection is the MIL-STD-1553 Bus.

Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, modulation device 100 alsoincludes a target tracking and beam pointing system 210. Target trackingand beam pointing system 210 monitors the scene surrounding asset 102.In one embodiment, beam pointing system 210 includes a vision system,illustratively a FLIR system 212, which provides images of the scenesurrounding asset 102. FLIR system 212, illustratively, has a separateoptical window 178 through which the vision system r Monitors thelocation of mobile tracking device 110. In one embodiment, FLIR system212 uses the same optical window 190 as output beam 176 and is boresighted to output beam 176.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, an operation of modulation device 100 isillustrated. Referring to FIG. 10A, a check is made by a controller 132of asset 102 whether warning/cuing system 130 is active, as representedby block 360. Further, warning/cuing system 130 is set to survey mode,as represented by block 362. In survey mode, warning/cuing system 130monitors the environment around asset 102 to determine if a mobiletracking device 110 is approaching asset 102, as represented by block364. If a mobile tracking device 110 is detected by warning/cuing system130, then the controller 132 of asset 102 determines the coordinates ofmobile tracking device 110, as represented by block 366. Warning/cuingsystem 130 may also sound an alarm or provide another indication ofmobile tracking device 110 to the operator of asset 102. Exemplarycoordinates for the case when the asset is airplane 102 are the azimuthand elevation angles of mobile tracking device 110 relative to airplane102.

The controller 132 of asset 102 passes the coordinates of mobiletracking device 110 to modulation device 100, as represented by block368. Modulation device 100 moves rotatable head 184 to the specifiedangular position and FLIR system 212 is directed at the specifiedcoordinates. FLIR system 212 may be gimbaled to move independentlywithin housing 180. The controller 132 of asset 102 determines if mobiletracking device 110 has acquired mobile tracking device 110 withtracking module 210, as represented by block 370. If modulation device100 has not acquired mobile tracking device 110, new coordinates ofmobile tracking device 110 are determined and passed again to modulationdevice 100. As such, modulation device 100 remains slaved to controller132. If modulation device 100 has acquired mobile tracking device 110then the initial coordinates corresponding to the lock on location ofmobile tracking device 110 are saved by system controller 154, asrepresented by block 371.

Next, system controller 154 of modulation device 100 checks to see ifmodulation device 100 is authorized to fire continuous wave laser 166,as represented by block 372. Continuous wave laser 166 is authorized tofire when fire input 145 is set to fire. If continuous wave laser 166 isnot authorized to fire, then an indication of this is provided to theoperator of modulation device 100, as represented by block 374.Exemplary indications include visual alarms, audio alarms, tactilealarms, and combinations thereof. If continuous wave laser 166 isauthorized to fire, then continuous wave laser 166 is fired at mobiletracking device 110. Beam control module 162 has already adjusted theoutput direction of collimated beam 176 to coincide with the directionto modulation device 100.

After modulation device 100 has acquired mobile tracking device 110,beam pointing system 210 tracks the location of mobile tracking device110 and updates the coordinates for mobile tracking device 110, asrepresented by block 379. Beam control module 162 rotates and reflector179 tilts, as necessary, to maintain collimated beam 176 on mobiletracking device 110.

The position of beam control module 162 is monitored to determine whenit has moved a threshold amount, as represented by block 378. Oncemobile tracking device 110 has changed direction by a threshold amount,it no longer is locked on asset 102 and the threat to asset 102 isneutralized. This change in direction of mobile tracking device 110 isindicated by the change in direction of beam control module 162 to keepcollimated beam 176 on mobile tracking device 110. Once the thresholdamount is reached, continuous wave laser 166 is deactivated asrepresented by block 381. Control is again passed back to warning/cuingsystem 130 to monitor for additional mobile tracking devices 110.

In one embodiment, the threshold amount is about 10 degrees in eitherthe azimuth or elevation directions. In one embodiment, the thresholdamount is about 5 degrees in either the azimuth or elevation directions.In one embodiment, the threshold amount is about 3 degrees in either theazimuth or elevation directions. In one embodiment, system controller154 monitors the time since mobile tracking device 110 was acquired bymodulation device 100 and deactivates continuous wave laser 166 once athreshold amount of time has passed.

In one embodiment, beam pointing system 210 has a narrower field of viewthan sensor modules 131 of warning/cuing system 130. As such, sensormodules 131 are able to survey the surrounding environment for mobiletracking device 110 approaching from various directions, while beampointing system 210 is fixed on the narrow portion of the environmentsurrounding a detected mobile tracking device 110.

In one embodiment, warning/cuing system 130 is integrated intomodulation device 100 and system controller 154 detects the launch of amobile tracking device 110 based on the images captured by warning/cuingsystem 130. Although various tasks are discussed as being carried out byone of warning/cuing system 130, controller 132, and system controller154 these may be carried out by a common controller.

As mentioned herein output beam 176 is produced by a continuous wavelaser 166. Output beam 176 is able to defeat mobile tracking devices 110which modulate the incoming electromagnetic radiation even though outputbeam 176 is not pulsed and contains no mobile tracking device specificcodes. Output beam 176 is also effective against imaging detectionsystems of more advanced mobile tracking device 110. Exemplary mobiletracking device specific codes include jamming codes.

Referring to FIG. 11, a ship 380 is shown having a rudder 382 andmodulation device 100. Also shown is a second ship 384 having a rudder386 which directs the direction of travel of second ship 384. Secondship 384 also incorporates a mobile tracking device 110. Second ship 384is attempting to track first ship 380 and close the distance betweenfirst ship 380 and second ship 384. Mobile tracking device 110 generatescourse correction signals for second ship 384 so that second ship 384continues to dose on first ship 380. In this example, mobile trackingdevice 110 does not include a separate propulsion system 112 andguidance system 114. Rather, second ship 384 has its own propulsionsystem, such as an engine, and rudder 386 directs the travel path ofsecond ship 384 based on input from controller 116.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, telescope 120 of mobile tracking device 110attempts to collect a large amount of electromagnet radiation to extendthe viewing range of the modulation device 100. The distance d indicatedin FIG. 11, corresponds to a viewing distance of mobile tracking device110 which is the distance at which mobile tracking device 110 is firstable to detect first ship 380. At distances beyond distance d, mobiletracking device 110 is not able to see first ship 380. Of course, mobiletracking device 110 may be closer to first ship 380 than the distance dand in fact over time mobile tracking device 110 tracks first ship 380so that second ship 384 closes the distance between second ship 384 andfirst ship 380.

Modulation device 100, upon locking on the position of mobile trackingdevice 110, fires continuous wave laser 166 such that output beam 176 isreceived by telescope 120 of mobile tracking device 110. Output beam 176has different effects on mobile tracking device 110 depending on theseparation of mobile tracking device 110 from modulation device 100.Distance d is illustratively divided into three bands, near distanceband 392, a mid distance band 394, and a far distance band 396. Atdistances in near distance band 392, the energy of output beam 176explodes seeker head 115 and destroys mobile tracking device 110. Atdistances in mid distance band 394, the energy of output beam 176destroys the functionality of detector 118. In one example, a modulationdevice 100 including a 3 kW Yterrbium continuous fiber laser ascontinuous wave laser 166 destroyed a focal plane array detector of amobile tracking device 110 at a distance of about 3 kilometers.

At distances in far distance band 396, the energy of output beam 176produces a plurality of internal localized sources within mobiletracking device 110. These internal localized sources are produced bythe energy of output beam 176 being absorbed by the optical componentsof mobile tracking device 110 which then reradiate the absorbed energyin multiple wavelengths, similar to a blackbody source. Referring toFIG. 3, six internal localized sources 400 are illustrated. Sources 400Aand 400B correspond to filter 125. Source 400C corresponds to opticalwindow 128. Source 400D corresponds to secondary mirror 123. Source 400Ecorresponds to primary mirror 121. Source 400F corresponds to optics124. The sources 400 may be produced based on the absorptioncharacteristics of the material of each component or the presence of animperfection in a component. For instance, optical window 128 may becomescratched during travel resulting in an imperfection that producessource 400C. Although six sources 400 are illustrated, a single source400 or other number of sources 400 may be produced at various times.

The source 400 produces infrared energy which is brighter than theinfrared signature of asset 102 being tracked by mobile tracking device110. As such, controller 116 of mobile tracking device 110 interpretsthe respective source 400 as asset 102 instead of asset 102 itself. Ifsource 400 is off-axis, this will cause controller 116 to try to centersource 400 resulting in error signal 129 being increased. Guidancesystem 114 will then turn mobile tracking device 110 in an attempt tocenter source 400. This results in mobile tracking device 110 turningaway from the location of asset 102. Since source 400 is radiating froma portion of mobile tracking device 110, it cannot be centered. Outputbeam 176 does not require a mobile device specific code to defeat mobiletracking device 110. Therefore, no knowledge of the modulation scheme ofmobile tracking device 110 is required to defeat mobile tracking device110. In one embodiment, the power level of continuous wave laser 166 isabout 3 kW exiting modulation device 100.

Source 400 do not explode mobile tracking device 110, such as whathappens in near distance band 392, nor is detector 118 of mobiletracking device 110 destroyed, such as what happens in mid distance band394. Rather, source 400 confuses controller 116 to believe that one ormore (if multiple sources) additional objects are present in the fieldof view of mobile tracking device 110 with a higher intensity than asset102. Controller 116 tracks the brightest object in its field of view andthus attempts to track one of sources 400, instead of asset 102.

In far distance band 396, mobile tracking device 110 is not destroyed,but rather sent off course. As mobile tracking device 110 approachesmodulation device 100 the power level of output beam 176 increasesexponentially resulting in detector 118 being destroyed in mid distanceband 394 and/or mobile tracking device 110 exploding in near distanceband 392. Of course, if mobile tracking device 110 is engaged in fardistance band 396 mobile tracking device 110 likely will not enter middistance band 394 because mobile tracking device 110 will be directed ina different direction due to output beam 176.

The effects of sources 400 are shown through a comparison of FIGS. 14and 15 with FIGS. 12 and 13. Referring to FIG. 12, a typical response ofa mobile tracking device 110 in far distance band 396 is shown. Thedegree of turn being carried out by a mobile tracking device 110 isproportional to a voltage associated with a gyroscope of the seeker head115. In FIG. 12, a raw voltage of detector 118 is shown as curve 250.Also shown is the voltage associated with the gyroscope of the seekerhead 115 as curve 252. The amplitude of curve 252 corresponds to errorsignal 129. The curve 252 shown in FIG. 12, represents a mobile trackingdevice 110 which has locked onto an asset 102 and is following directlybehind the asset 102. The Fourier transform of curve 250 is shown inFIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13, the spectrum 254 for curve 250 isgenerally tightly defined around 1000 Hz. This is generally consistentwith the modulation scheme of the mobile tracking device 110 when it isinline with asset 102.

Referring to FIG. 14, a 3 kilowatt, continuous wave, infrared, Ytterbiumsingle mode fiber laser with an m² of 1 was used as continuous wavelaser 166 of modulation device 100 associated with an asset 102. Intests, a mobile tracking device 110 was fired at asset 102. Modulationdevice 100 directed a continuous beam of optical energy 176 at theoptical window 128 of mobile tracking device 110. The continuous beam ofoptical energy causes the generation of sources 400 which are falselyrecognized by mobile tracking device 110 as asset 102.

Referring to FIG. 14, the corresponding curves 250′ and 252′ for theabove example are shown. A first portion 260 of curve 250′ (andcorresponding portion 262 of curve 252′) are shown prior to activationof continuous wave laser 166. As shown by portion 262, the travel ofmobile tracking device 110 is fairly straight. Continuous wave laser 166is activated at point 264. This results in detector 118 being floodedwith IR energy as represented by the increase in amplitude of curve 250′and the generation of sources 400. The generation of sources 400 appearsto be later in time potentially indicating the need for the componentsof mobile tracking device 110 to heat up to cause sources 400. Atportion 264 of curve 252′ controller 116 is instructing guidance system114 to turn mobile tracking device 110 more aggressively. This increasein turning of mobile tracking device 110 increases in portion 266 evenas the intensity of curve 250′ falls in portion 268. This fall inintensity is indicative of mobile tracking device 110 moving far offcourse so that not as much of collimated beam 176 enters optical window128. As shown in FIG. 15, the spectrum 254′ for curve 250′ isconsiderably broadened compared to spectrum 254 of FIG. 12.

Referring to FIG. 16, mobile tracking device 110 is traveling in adirection towards asset 102, as represented by block 410. This isillustrated in FIG. 2A wherein an airborne mobile tracking device 110 isshown traveling in direction 412 towards asset 102. As explained herein,modulation device 100 fires continuous wave laser 166 to direct outputbeam 176 towards mobile tracking device 110. This causes the generationof at least one localized source 400 within mobile tracking device 110which is within a field of view of mobile tracking device 110. These oneor more localized sources 400 are brighter than the infrared energyradiated from asset 102 and are generated at locations which do notcorrespond with the current direction 412 of mobile tracking device 110,as represented by block 414 in FIG. 16. As such, controller 116 attemptsto point mobile tracking device 110 at the brighter source 400 and indoing so changes the direction of mobile tracking device 110 todirection 416 as shown in FIG. 2B. Beam control module 162 alters thedirection of output beam 176 to coincide with the new direction ofmobile tracking device 110, as represented by block 420 in FIG. 16. Thisagain causes the generation of the localized sources 400 within mobiletracking device 110 which are within a field of view of mobile trackingdevice 110. As such, controller 116 attempts to point mobile trackingdevice 110 at the brighter source 400 and in doing so changes thedirection of mobile tracking device 110 to direction 422 as shown inFIG. 2C. Beam control module 162 alters the direction of output beam 176to coincide with the new direction of mobile tracking device 110. Onceagain this causes the generation of the localized sources 400 withinmobile tracking device 110 which are within a field of view of mobiletracking device 110. As such, controller 116 attempts to point mobiletracking device 110 at the brighter source 400 and in doing so changesthe direction of mobile tracking device 110 to direction 424 as shown inFIG. 20. In moving beam control module 162 to track mobile trackingdevice 110 along the direction 424, rotatable head 184 exceeds thethreshold rotation amount and continuous wave laser 166 is deactivated,as shown in FIG. 20.

Unlike prior art devices, modulation device 100 is not mobile trackingdevice 110 specific. Rather, modulation device 100 is effective againstboth imaging and non-imaging mobile tracking devices 110. Further,modulation device 100 does not require a mobile device specific code tobe known in advance. Rather, modulation device 100 relies on thecontinuous provision of optical energy into mobile tracking device 110to produce localized sources 400 within the field of view of mobiletracking device 110 such that detector 118 is confused as to thelocation of asset 102.

In another example of the use of modulation device 100, a 3 kW.continuous wave, infrared, Ytterbium single mode fiber laser was used ascontinuous wave laser 166 of modulation device 100 associated with anasset 102. In tests, a plurality of different mobile infrared mobiletracking devices 110 were fired at asset 102 while asset 102 was atground level. Modulation device each time directed output beam 176 atthe optical window of the respective mobile tracking device 110. Themodulation device 100 was effective against all of the plurality ofdifferent mobile tracking device 110 at a range of up to about 1250meters from modulation device 100. A computer model was made whereinasset 102 was at ground level, a wavelength of continuous wave laser 166was set to 1.07 μm, and values for additional parameters modulationdevice 100 and mobile tracking device 110 were set. The computer modelprovided a predicted range of up to 1290 meters for a plurality ofdifferent mobile tracking device 110. This computer model demonstratedgood agreement with the experimentally obtained range of up to 1250meters.

In a further example of the use of modulation device 100, a 3 kilowatt,continuous wave, infrared, Ytterbium single mode fiber laser was used ascontinuous wave laser 166 of modulation device 100 associated with anasset 102. In tests, a specific mobile tracking device 110 was fired atasset 102 while asset 102 was at ground level. Modulation device 100directed output beam 176 at the optical window of mobile tracking device110. The modulation device 100 was effective against the specific mobiletracking device 110 at a range of up to about 2650 meters frommodulation device 100. The above-mentioned computer model provided apredicted range of up to 2440 meters for the specific mobile trackingdevice 110. This demonstrates good agreement with the experimentallyobtained range of up to 2650 meters.

Returning to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, beam pointing system 210 furtherincludes a laser designator system 214. Laser designator system 214includes a pulsed laser which is directed at mobile tracking device 110and reflected therefrom. Based on the reflected signal, laser designatorsystem 214 is able to determine a distance from modulation device 100 tomobile tracking device 110. In the case wherein modulation device 100includes focusing optics 177 or wherein beam expander 172 may befocused, one of system controller 154 and beam pointing system 210adjusts a focal length of focusing optics 177 to focus output beam 176at the location of mobile tracking device 110. In one embodiment, outputbeam 176 is focused at a distance shorter than the determined range tomobile tracking device 110, the distance being chosen based on anestimated speed of mobile tracking device 110. In one embodiment, thisdistance corresponds to the expected position of mobile tracking device110 based on assumptions regarding the relative difference in speedbetween asset 102 and mobile tracking device 110. In one embodiment, theestimated speed of mobile tracking device 110 is selected based on thetype of mobile tracking device 110 which is identified based on aretro-reflection received from mobile tracking device 110.

Laser designator system 214, illustratively, has a separate opticalwindow 215 through which the laser beam of laser designator system 214is sent out of modulation device 100 and the reflection from mobiletracking device 110 is received to determine the distance to mobiletracking device 110. In one embodiment, laser designator system 214 usesthe same optical window 190 as output beam 176 and is bore sighted tooutput beam 176.

Referring to FIG. 28, in one embodiment, the optical transmitter system150 of modulation device 100 includes a laser source 600. Laser source600 includes a plurality of semiconductor lasers 602-606 which produceoptical energy for modulation device 100. In one embodiment, thesemiconductor lasers are continuous wave lasers. In one embodiment,lasers 602-606 are quantum cascade lasers. Exemplary quantum cascadelasers include External Cavity Quantum Cascade Lasers available fromDaylight Solutions located at 13029 Danielson Street, Suite 130 inPoway, Calif. and Pranalytica located at 1101 Colorado Avenue in SantaMonica, Calif. In one embodiment, the semiconductor lasers have awavelength of at least about 1 um. In one embodiment, the semiconductorlasers have a wavelength of at least about 2 um.

The output optical energy of each of lasers 602-606 is carried throughrespective optical conduits 608-612 to beam control module 162. The endof the respective optical conduits 608-612 are positioned generally at afocus of beam expander 172. Beam control unit 162 sends the opticalenergy produced by each of lasers 602-606 towards mobile tracking device110. The optical energy of lasers 602-606 is generally incoherentlycombined to produce a beam with a power level sufficient to function inthe same manner as continuous wave laser 166.

In one embodiment, lasers 602-606 combine to produce about 3 kW ofpower. In one embodiment, the power level of the combined lasers 602-606is about 5 kW. In one embodiment, the power level of the combined lasers602-606 is about 10 kW. In one embodiment, the power level of thecombined lasers 602-606 is about 20 kW. In one embodiment, the powerlevel of the combined lasers 602-606 is about 50 kW. In one embodiment,the power level of the combined lasers 602-606 is between about 3 kW and20 kW. In one embodiment, the power level of the combined lasers 602-606is at least 3 kW. In one embodiment, the power level of the combinedlasers 602-606 is at least 3 kW for a duration of at least about 11minutes. The combined lasers 602-606 may be used together to form theoutput beam of modulation device 100. In one embodiment, the output beamof modulation device 100 is at least about 60 kW. In one embodiment, theoutput beam of modulation device 100 is in the range of about 60 kW toabout 100 kW.

By using multiple semiconductor lasers, as opposed to a single highpower laser, the amount of heat management needed is greatly reducedbecause the individual semiconductor lasers collectively do not generatethe same amount of heat as the high power laser 166.

Referring to FIG. 17, a portable cutting device 700 is shown. Theportable cutting device 700 includes a laser source 702, a power supply704, a storage container 706, and a laser directing device 708. Portablecutting device 700 may be used in multiple applications for cuttingthrough materials. Exemplary materials include wood, masonry, metal, andother materials. Portable cutting device 700 does not require aninternal combustion generator and therefore does not have the associatednoise and exhaust issues.

A cooling unit 711 may optionally be provided to actively cool one orboth of laser source 702 and power supply 704. In one embodiment,cooling unit 711 is an air-cooled chiller. In one embodiment, coolingunit 711 is a thereto-electric cooling system. In one embodiment,cooling unit 711 is an on-demand cooler which directs cooling air at theoptical coupler which couples laser source 702 to optical conduit 730.The on-demand cooler may be manually activated or activated based on amonitored temperature sensor value. The cooling air of the on-demandcooler is a non-flammable gas.

In one embodiment, storage container 706 is a backpack, such as backpack710 shown in FIG. 18. Backpack 710 is worn by a human operator 720.Backpack 710 includes a cargo carrying portion 712 and two straps 714which are positioned over the shoulders of the human operator 720 andextend under the arms of the human operator 720. Backpack 710 ispositioned on the back side of the human operator 720. In oneembodiment, storage container 706 is positioned on a front side of thehuman operator 720. In one embodiment, storage container 706 ispositioned to either a left side or a right side of the human operator720. In one embodiment, storage container 706 is positioned on at leasttwo of a back side, a left side, a front side, and a right side of thehuman operator 720.

In one embodiment, laser source 702, power supply 704, and controller705 are positioned within cargo carrying portion 712 of backpack 710 fortransport by human operator 720. Referring to FIG. 18A, cargo carryingportion 712 is represented. Cargo carrying portion 712 includes a firstportion 740 and a second portion 742 which cooperate to form an interiorspace of cargo carrying portion 712. In one embodiment, cargo carryingportion 712 is made of a flexible material and first portion 740 andsecond portion 742 are secured together with one or more suitablefasteners 744. Exemplary fasteners include zippers, snaps, and othersuitable fasteners. In one embodiment, first portion 740 and secondportion 742 are integrally formed and are seperatable only along aportion, such as the left side, top side, and right side. In oneembodiment, cargo carrying portion 712 is a hard case and first portion740 and second portion 742 are secured together with one or moresuitable fasteners 744. Exemplary fasteners include latches and othersuitable fasteners. Regardless of the configuration, first portion 740and second portion 742 cooperate to provide a closed space for carryinglaser source 702, power supply 704, controller 705, and, optionally,cooling unit 711 during transport and the ability to open at least aportion of cargo carrying portion 712 to access laser source 702, powersupply 704, controller 705, or cooling unit 711, such as to replace thebatteries of power supply 704.

Laser directing device 708 is held by the human operator 720. Laserdirecting device 708 includes a stock portion 750 which may bepositioned next to the shoulder of human operator 720. Laser directingdevice 708 also includes a handle 752 whereby the hand of the operatormay carry laser directing device 708 and a grip 754 which human operator720 may grasp during operation of portable cutting device 700.

Laser directing device 708 is coupled to laser source 702 through anoptical conduit 730. Exemplary optical conduits include fiber opticcable. Laser directing device 708 also includes an optical conduit 756which is coupled to optical conduit 730. Optical energy generated bylaser source 702 travels through optical conduit 730 and optical conduit756 and is discharged through an end 758 of laser directing device 708towards a barrier 736 (see FIG. 18). The energy discharged by laserdirecting device 708 is of sufficient strength to cut the material ofbarrier 736. Laser directing device 708 includes an optical system 810which shapes the energy exiting optical conduit 756 of laser directingdevice 708 to focus it at a focus 814. Focusing optics 760 concentratethe energy onto a defined location on the barrier 736.

Returning to FIG. 18A, optical conduit 730 is coupled to laser source702 at a location in the interior of cargo carrying portion 712. Opticalconduit 730 extends through a wall of cargo carrying portion 712 and iscoupled to laser directing device 708 outside of storage container 706at optical connector 806 (see FIG. 21). In one embodiment, opticalconduit 730 couples to laser directing device 708 through grip 754.

Optical conduit 730 is provided in a protective sheath 732. Theprotective sheath 732 should have a high thermal conductivity and limita bend radius of optical conduit 730. In one embodiment, protectivesheath 732 is made of segmented pieces of metal coupled together. Alsoincluded with protective sheath 732 is an electrical control and signalcable 734 which couples controller 705 with components of laserdirecting device 708. In one embodiment, controller 705 is coupled to acontroller 830 of laser directing device 708. In one embodiment,controller 705 is coupled to controller 830 over through a standardRS-232 or RS-422 interface. In one embodiment, signal cable 734 is anoptical fiber and controller 705 communicates with controller 830 viaany type of standard protocol, such as Internet protocol. As explainedherein, controller 830 interfaces with the operator 720, the componentsof laser directing device 708, and monitors sensors associated withlaser directing device 708. Controller 830 then communicates thisinformation to controller 705 which controls the operation of lasersource 702.

Laser source 702, in one embodiment, is a continuous wave laser. In oneembodiment, laser source 702 is a fiber laser. In one embodiment, lasersource 702 is a continuous wave Ytterbium single mode fiber laser.Exemplary continuous wave single mode fiber lasers are provided by IPGLaser GmBH located at 50 Old Webster Road in Oxford, Mass. 01540.Details regarding an exemplary laser source 702 are provided in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/973,437, titled POWERFUL FIBER LASERSYSTEM, assigned to IPG Photonics Corporation, the disclosure of whichis expressly incorporated by reference herein. Details regarding anexemplary laser source 702 are provided in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/611,247, titled FIBER LASER WITH LARGE MODE AREA FIBER, assignedto IPG Photonics Corporation, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein. In one embodiment, laser source 702 isa solid state laser.

Referring to FIG. 27, an exemplary configuration of laser source 702 isshown. Laser source 702 includes a plurality of individual modules 900each of which provide a single mode 1.07 micrometer output beam. Theoutput of each of modules 900 is combined together through a modulecombiner 903 which brings the energy together in a single beam. Thiscombined beam is coupled to optical conduit 730 through a quartz coupler904. Although three laser modules 900 are illustrated any number oflaser modules 900 may be included.

The components of a given laser module 900 are also shown in FIG. 27.The laser module 900 includes a plurality of diode lasers 910 each ofwhich are coupled into a respective Ytterbium fiber 912. The output ofthe Ytterbium fibers 912 are combined through a fiber combiner 914 whichbrings the energy together. This energy is fed through a coupler 915into an Ytterbium fiber optic gain medium 916 which produces there froma single mode 1.07 micrometer output beam. Although three diode lasersets 910 are illustrated any number of diode laser sets 910 may beincluded.

In one embodiment, the power of laser source 702 is about 3 kilowatts.In one embodiment, the power level of laser source 702 is about 5kilowatts. In one embodiment, the power level of laser source 702 isabout 10 kilowatts. In one embodiment, the power level of laser source702 is about 20 kilowatts. In one embodiment, the power level of lasersource 702 is about 50 kilowatts. In one embodiment, the power level oflaser source 702 is between about 3 kilowatts and 20 kilowatts. In oneembodiment, the power level of laser source 702 is at least 3 kilowatts.

In one embodiment, power supply 704 is a portable power supply. Anexemplary portable power supply is one or more batteries, such asrechargeable batteries. Exemplary rechargeable batteries includelithium-ion batteries and lithium polymer batteries. Exemplarylithium-ion batteries include commercially available cells, such asthose available from A123 Systems located in Watertown, Mass. In oneembodiment, the cells have a nominal amp-hour rating of 2.3 Ah and anominal load voltage of 3.3 DCV/cell. Further exemplary lithium-ionbatteries include commercially available cells available from SAFTAmerica, Inc. located at 313 Crescent St Ne in Valdese, N.C. inWatertown, Mass. In one embodiment, the cells have a nominal maximumcurrent of 500 A, a specific power of 5.1 kW/kg, a specific energy of430 kJ/kg, and a mass of 0.94 kg.

Referring to FIG. 19, multiple battery packs 770 are coupled together inseries to produce power supply 704. Each of lithium-ion battery pack 770delivers about 5 kilowatts of power for about six minutes. Since twounits are shown coupled together in FIG. 19, the resultant power supply704 can deliver about 10 kilowatts of power. Each of lithium-ion batterypack 770 includes multiple individual lithium-ion batteries. In oneembodiment, lithium-ion battery pack 770 commercially available cellsavailable from A123 Systems located in Watertown, Mass. The twolithium-ion battery packs 770 together weigh about 28 pounds (13.6 kg).

Referring to FIG. 20, multiple lithium polymer batteries 772 are coupledtogether in series to produce power supply 704. Each of lithium polymerbatteries 772 delivers about 4.5 kilowatts of power for about twominutes. Since eight units are shown coupled together in FIG. 20, theresultant power supply 704 can deliver about 13 kilowatts of power forabout six minutes. The eight lithium polymer batteries 772 togetherweigh about 21 pounds (9.6 kg).

In one embodiment, laser source 702 is a three kilowatt Yterrbium singlemode fiber laser such as ones commercially available from IPG Photonicslocated at IPG Photonics Corporation, 50 Old Webster Road Oxford, Mass.01540 USA and power supply 704 is as shown in FIG. 20. This combinationresults in portable cutting device 700 having a cutting speed of aboutfifty inches per minute for 0.5 inch thick steel. This combination maycut up to 900 inches of material on a single charge of power supply 704,arranged as shown in FIG. 20. In general, commercial laser sourcesinclude an AC-to-DC converter to convert power from an AC source to DCpower for laser source 702. Since power supply 704 already provides DCpower, when a commercial laser source is being used the AC-to-DCconverter is removed and replaced with DC driving circuit 780. DCdriving circuit 780 provides power from power supply 704 to laser source702 and regulates the power level provided. In a similar fashion,commercial laser sources often include cooling lines to cool the lasersource and over-temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of thelaser source. In one embodiment, when a commercial laser source is beingused the cooling lines are removed and the over-temperature sensors ofthe commercial laser source are overridden. With this arrangement andusing the laser directing device 708 represented in FIG. 21, laserdirecting device 708 was operated at 3 kW power for 720 seconds withoutdisabling the laser source 702.

Referring to either FIG. 25 or FIG. 26, laser source 702 is represented.Laser source 702 includes a laser pump system 782 which includes aplurality of laser diodes 783. Laser diodes 783 provide the pump energyfor the lasing medium 784 of laser source 702. The laser diodes 783 aredivided into a plurality of modules. In one embodiment, 42 diodes areprovided in a single module and seven modules are provided. The lasingmedium 784 is provided as part of a fiber optical cable. The output ofthe lasing medium 784 is provided to optical conduit 730.

In FIG. 25, power supply 704 is coupled to laser diodes 783 through DCdriving circuit 780 which includes a single voltage regulator 781 thatpowers laser diodes 783. In FIG. 26, power supply 704 is coupled tolaser diodes 783 through DC driving circuit 780 which includes aplurality of current regulators 786. Each current regulator 786 providesthe power to one of the modules to provide power to the diodes of thatmodule.

Referring to either FIG. 25 or FIG. 26, power supply 704 may be chargedwith a battery charger 788 coupled to prime power source 790. Exemplaryprime power sources include a standard AC wall outlet or an alternatorof a vehicle. Power supply 704 includes a battery management interface792 which controls the recharging of the batteries with battery charger788.

Referring to FIG. 21, an exemplary embodiment of laser directing device708 is shown. Laser directing device 708 has a body 802 with adownwardly extending handle 804. Optical conduit 730 is coupled to anoptical connector 806 which couples optical conduit 730 to opticalconduit 808. Optical conduit 808 is coupled to a collimating chamber810.

Collimating chamber 810 includes an optical system 812 which focuseslight carried by optical conduit 808 at a focus 814 generallycorresponding to the location of barrier 736. In one embodiment, thefocal range of laser directing device 708 is from about six inches fromend 758 to about sixty feet from end 758. In one embodiment, the focalrange of laser directing device 708 is from about six inches from end758 to about three kilometers from end 758.

In the illustrated embodiment, optical system 812 includes a first lens816 and a second lens 818. First lens 816 receives the light fromoptical conduit 808 which acts like a point source. In the illustratedembodiment, first lens 816 is positioned such that an end 820 of opticalconduit 808 is located at a focus of first lens 816 which results in agenerally collimated beam 822 being produced inside of collimatingchamber 810. Second lens 818 focuses collimated beam 822 at barrier 736.Although a two lens system is shown, other lens systems may be used tofocus the light at focus 814.

The position of one or both of first lens 816 and second lens 818 may bealtered relative to the position of end 820 of optical conduit 808 orthe other of first lens 816 and second lens 818 to change the locationof focus 814. In one embodiment, a portion of collimating chamber 810 ismoveable relative to the remainder of collimating chamber 810 to allowan operator to manually adjust the relative spacing of first lens 816and second lens 818 similar to a scope on a rifle. In one embodiment,first lens 816 is positioned on a moveable stand 824 and second lens 818is positioned on a moveable stand 826. Both of moveable stand 824 andmoveable stand 826 are controlled through respective motors to adjustthe position of the respective first lens 816 and second lens 818.

The motors are controlled by a controller 830 of laser directing device708. In one embodiment, controller 830 receives an input from anoperator control (not shown) through which the operator specifies thedesired position of focus 814. In one embodiment, controller 830receives an input from a laser rangefinder 840 which determines thedistance d from laser directing device 708 to barrier 736. Based on edetermined distance d, controller 830 moves one or both of first lens816 and second lens 818 to place focus 814 at distance d. In oneembodiment, other locating devices may be used, such as GPS systems.

In one embodiment, instead of or in addition to a laser range finderdevice 840 includes a visible guide laser which provides a visiblemarker for the operator of where laser directing device 708 is going tocut. The visible guide laser should be collinear with an axis ofcollimating chamber 810. In one example, the visible guide laser is aHeNe laser. In one embodiment, laser source 702 acts as a guide laser.The operator wears goggles which can detect and provide a visible imageof the barrier and the laser source at the barrier. In this embodiment,the laser source can be set to a low power setting to align with barrierand then set to a high power setting to cut barrier.

Laser directing device 708 also includes a compressed gas container 850which provides air to a regulator valve 852 through a conduit 854.Regulator valve 852 provides gas to a nozzle 856 through a conduit 857.Nozzle 856 directs gas 858 at focus 814. In one embodiment, the positionof nozzle 856 is adjustable. The gas blows molten material producedduring cutting away from laser directing device 708, the operator, andaway from barrier 736. Controller 830 controls regulator valve 852 toplace conduit 857 in fluid communication with conduit 854 when a trigger860 of laser directing device 708 is pulled by the operator. In oneembodiment, the gas stored in compressed gas container 850 is anon-flammable gas. Exemplary gases include freon, nitrogen, argon, andother non-flammable gases.

Controller 830 also controls regulator valve 852 to place conduit 854 influid communication with a fluid conduit 862. Fluid conduit 862terminates at a fluid inlet 864 to collimating chamber 810. The gaspresented to collimating chamber 810 cools first lens 816 and secondlens 818 from the heat generated by the light from optical conduit 808.Warmer gas in collimating chamber 810 is exhausted through a fluidoutlet 866 of collimating chamber 810. In one embodiment, controller 830controls regulator valve 852 to provide gas to fluid conduit 862whenever trigger 860 is pulled. In one embodiment, controller 830controls regulator valve 852 to provide gas to fluid conduit 862 when atemperature sensor monitoring collimating chamber 810 detects anelevated temperature.

Laser directing device 708 further includes a sensor 870 which monitorsfor light having generally the same wavelength provided by laserdirecting device 708 at focus 814. Sensor 870 monitors the intensity ofthe light reflected from barrier 736. Referring to FIG. 22A, when laserdirecting device 708 is generally normal to barrier 736, the light(represented by arrow 872) focused by laser directing device 708 strikesbarrier 736 generally normal to barrier 736. A portion of the light(represented by arrow 874) is reflected by barrier 736. Often thereflected portion is small compared to the portion which interacts withbarrier 736 to cut barrier 736 and as such does not pose a threat to theoperator. However, when barrier 736 is more reflective the strength ofthe reflected portion increases. When a 1.07 micrometer wavelength beamis used, irradiance levels of about 5 milli-watts per square centimeter(mW/cm²) pose a threat to the operator at any range less than 77 km,such as damage to the retina of the eye. At wavelengths less than 1.55micrometer, light is transmitted into the eye which can damage theretina. In one embodiment, a laser source 702 having a wavelength of atleast 1.55 micrometer is used. In one embodiment, a laser source 702having a wavelength of about 2.0 micrometer is used. At wavelengths of1.55 micrometer and greater, damage to the cornea of the eye is theconcern. Since the cornea heals quite easily and the retina is generallypermanently damaged, wavelengths which are absorbed by the cornea andnot transmitted are considered to be “eye safe”.

By monitoring the irradiance levels of the reflected portion with sensor870, controller 830 may make a determination of actions to take. In oneembodiment, if the irradiance levels of the reflected portion are abovea first threshold, controller 830 sends an instruction to controller 705to shut down laser source 702. In one embodiment, the first threshold isabout 2.5 mW/cm².

In one embodiment, if the irradiance levels of the reflected portion areabove a first threshold, controller 830 sounds an alarm which providesan indication to the operator that the irradiance levels of thereflected portion are elevated, but not at a threatening level. Theoperator may then move to the arrangement shown in FIG. 22B, wherein thelight represented by arrow 872 is not normal to barrier 736; therebycausing the reflected light represented by arrow 874 to not be returnedto sensor 870. However, if the irradiance levels are above a secondthreshold, controller 830 sends an instruction to controller 705 to shutlaser source 702 down. In one embodiment, the first threshold is about2.0 mW/cm² and second threshold is about 2.5 mW/cm².

This control sequence is represented in FIG. 23. The irradiance level ofthe reflected portion is monitored with sensor 870, as represented byblock 880. The irradiance level is compared to a first threshold, asrepresented by block 882. If the irradiance level is below the firstthreshold, no action is taken and the irradiance level of the reflectedportion is continued to be monitored with sensor 870. If the irradiancelevel is at or above the first threshold, then the irradiance level iscompared to a second threshold, as represented by block 884. If theirradiance level is not at or above the second threshold, then an alarmis sounded, as represented by block 886. This informs the operator thatirradiance levels are elevated and that action should be taken, such aschanging the angle of incidence relative to barrier 736. Exemplaryalarms include audio alarms (such as speakers), visual alarms (such aslights), tactile alarms (such as vibrating members), or combinationsthereof. If the irradiance level is at or above the second threshold,then laser source 702 is deactivated, as represented by block 888.

Returning to FIG. 21, laser directing device 708 further includes asafety switch 901 and a laser power setting switch 902. Safety switch901 provides a safety in case the operator inadvertently pulls trigger860. Safety switch 901 may be a toggle switch, a dial, or any othersuitable input device. Laser power setting switch 902 provides anindication of the desired power level of laser source 702. By runninglaser source 702 at lower power levels for applications not requiringhigh power settings, the charge life of power supply 704 may beextended. Laser power setting switch 902 may be any type of inputdevices which provides multiple settings, each corresponding to aparticular power level. An exemplary input device is a dial. In oneembodiment, the power level of laser source 702 may be adjusted from 0%to 100%.

Referring to FIG. 24, an exemplary operation sequence for laserdirecting device 708 is provided. A request is received by controller830 to set the desired power level of laser source 702, as representedby block 912. For laser directing device 708, the request to set thedesired power level of laser source 702 is the setting of laser powersetting switch 902. Controller 830 sends an instruction to controller705 to activate laser source 702 at the desired power level, asrepresented by block 914.

Controller 830 receives a request to fire laser source 702, asrepresented by block 916. For laser directing device 708, the request tofire laser source 702 is the pulling of trigger 860 which is monitoredby controller 830. Controller 830 checks to see if the safety switch 901is off, as represented by block 918. For laser directing device 708, thestate of safety switch 901 is checked. If the safety switch is on, analarm is provided to alert the operator that the safety is on, asrepresented by block 920. Exemplary alarms include audio alarms (such asspeakers), visual alarms (such as lights), tactile alarms (such asvibrating members), or combinations thereof. If the safety switch isoff, then controller 830 sends an instruction to controller 705 to firelaser source 702, as represented by block 922.

While laser source 702 is being fired, the monitoring sequence of FIG.23 is carried out, as represented by block 924. Controller 830 receivesa request to deactivate laser source 702, as represented by block 926.For laser directing device 708, the request to deactivate laser source702 is the release of trigger 860 which is monitored by controller 830.Controller 830 sends an instruction to controller 705 to deactivatelaser source 702, as represented by block 928.

With trigger 860 pulled, operator 720 moves laser directing device 708with his/her arms to define the cutting path of laser directing device708. As such, laser directing device 708 may be moved by human operator720 without the need to also move laser source 702. This flexibility isprovided in part by the flexibility of optical conduit 730. Asrepresented in FIG. 18, a planned cutting path 762 is shown including afirst portion 764 which has already been cut. Once cutting is complete,portable cutting device 700 may be powered off, by letting trigger 860released. In between cutting operations, power supply 704 may berecharged or replaced.

Referring to FIG. 29, in one embodiment, the laser source 702 ofportable cutting device 700 includes a laser source 620. Laser source620 includes a plurality of semiconductor lasers 622-626 which produceoptical energy for portable cutting device 700. In one embodiment, thesemiconductor lasers are continuous wave lasers. In one embodiment,lasers 622-626 are quantum cascade lasers. Exemplary quantum cascadelasers include External Cavity Quantum Cascade Lasers available fromDaylight Solutions located at 13029 Danielson Street, Suite 130 inPoway, Calif. and Pranalytica located at 1101 Colorado Avenue in SantaMonica, Calif. In one embodiment, the semiconductor lasers have awavelength of at least about 1 um. In one embodiment, the semiconductorlasers have a wavelength of at least about 2 um.

The output optical energy of each of lasers 622-626 is carried throughrespective optical conduits 628-632. In one embodiment, the output ofeach of optical conduits 628-632 is combined and passes through opticalconduit 730 to laser directing device 708. In the illustratedembodiment, each of optical conduits 628-632 pass through opticalconduit 730. In this example, the end of each of optical conduits628-632 generally coincide with optical connector 806. optical conduit756 then propagates the optical energy to optical system 812 whichoutputs the optical energy from laser directing device 708. The opticalenergy of lasers 602-606 is generally incoherently combined to produce abeam with a power level sufficient to function in the same manner aslaser source 702. In one embodiment, the power of the combined lasers602-606 is about 3 kilowatts. In one embodiment, the power level ofcombined lasers 602-606 is about 5 kilowatts. In one embodiment, thepower level of combined lasers 602-606 is about 10 kilowatts. In oneembodiment, the power level of combined lasers 602-606 is about 20kilowatts. In one embodiment, the power level of combined lasers 602-606is about 50 kilowatts. In one embodiment, the power level of combinedlasers 602-606 is between about 3 kilowatts and 20 kilowatts. In oneembodiment, the power level of combined lasers 602-606 is at least 3kilowatts.

In one embodiment, portable cutting device 700 is mounted to a moveableplatform so that portable cutting device 700 is positionable relative tovarious objects to be cut or removed without having to be held by anoperator. The portable cutting device may be fired at an object having afirst hardness. Subsequent to firing, the hardness of the object isreduced it is believed due to the interaction of the optical energyproduced by portable cutting device 700 and the object. Once thehardness of the object has been reduced a mechanical tool may be used toremove at least portions of the object. In one example, the portablecutting device 700 is lowered into a well shaft and fired at rock in thewell shaft to reduce the hardness of the rock. Subsequent thereto, amechanical drill is used to further breakup and remove the rock from thewell shaft.

Although the disclosed systems have included laser systems withwavelengths in the infrared spectrum, the teaching presented herein mayalso be used with laser systems with wavelengths in the visible spectrumor ultraviolet spectrum.

While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design,the present invention may be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A portable cutting device for transport bya human operator, comprising: a laser source which provides opticalenergy, the laser source being a plurality of continuous wavesemiconductor lasers whose output is combined to provide the opticalenergy; a battery power source; a laser directing device supportingfocusing optics in a collimating chamber, the focusing optics focus theoptical energy provided by the laser source; at least one storagecontainer, the at least one storage container housing the laser sourceand the battery power source; and at least one flexible optical conduitextending from an interior of the at least one storage container to thelaser directing device, the at least one flexible optical conduitcommunicating the optical energy produced by the laser source to thelaser directing device; wherein the at least one storage containerincludes a backpack which includes a cargo carrying portion housing thebattery power source and the laser source and support straps throughwhich arms of the human operator extend.
 2. The portable cutting deviceof claim 1, wherein the plurality of continuous wave semiconductorlasers are quantum cascade lasers.
 3. The portable cutting device ofclaim 2, wherein a power level of the optical energy provided by thelaser source is at least 3 kilowatts.
 4. A portable cutting device fortransport by a human operator, comprising: a laser source which providesoptical energy, the laser source being a plurality of continuous wavesemiconductor lasers whose output is combined to provide the opticalenergy; a battery power source; a laser directing device supportingfocusing optics in a collimating chamber, the focusing optics focus theoptical energy provided by the laser source; at least one storagecontainer, the at least one storage container housing the laser sourceand the battery power source; and at least one flexible optical conduitextending from an interior of the at least one storage container to thelaser directing device, the at least one flexible optical conduitcommunicating the optical energy produced by the laser source to thelaser directing device; wherein the laser directing device includes acontroller, a trigger, a compressed air container, a valve in fluidcommunication with the compressed air container, and a nozzle directedat a focus of the focusing optics and in fluid communication with thevalve.
 5. The portable cutting device of claim 4, wherein the valve isopened by the controller based on a status of the trigger to provide anair stream generally towards the focus of the focusing optics.
 6. Theportable cutting device of claim 4, wherein the laser directing devicefurther includes a second fluid conduit in communication with the valveand in fluid communication with the collimating chamber, the controllercontrolling the valve to provide air from the compressed air containerto the collimating chamber.